Gestalt Theory: An Evaluation
Gestalt therapy focuses largely on energy, experimentation and emotion. Since the Gestalt approach holds an existential view of human nature, it assumes that people must find their own way in the world and that every individual must have a different therapeutic experience based on their unique situation. Fritz Perls’ philosophy could be summed up by saying “be here now and be truly yourself” (Neukrug, 2011, p. 190). This group was given the task of reviewing and evaluating two Gestalt therapy sessions in order to identify the techniques used, compare and contrast the two approaches, and provide an explanation for which counselor the group found to be more effective. Below are the group’s findings.
Two different …show more content…
Davis does with Angela in order to help her work through her challenges takes time and is not done in just a few sessions like Jill’s. This is because her introjection of family needs “has created an imbalance within self as well as in [her] interpersonal relationships” and Dr. Davis tries to help Angela discover that “finding a balance between the two can make for more satisfying relationships with others where there is more of a give and take” Neukrug, 2011, p.191). It takes a lot of experimentation and even a major family event for Angela to come to the realization that she can fulfill her family obligations without compromising her personal …show more content…
Dr. Neukrug uses the empty chair technique and allows Jill to express the feelings she has regarding her mom and their lost time together as if her mother was there. He helps Jill walk and talk through her feelings so she can resolve her unfinished business. It seems as though Jill is able to work through most of her feelings in a short amount of time and feel some relief from what was bothering her. Even though the technique made Jill nervous, sometimes “the primary aim is not to facilitate the client to feel more relaxed or comfortable…but to enable the client to reconnect his/her emotional response with contact needs” (Philippson, 2012, p.96).
Even though the sessions had different tones and techniques, both patients got the results they were hoping for in the end. By the end of time the therapist and patients had together, both clients were feeling better about their circumstances and moving towards a more positive direction in their lives. Since Gestalt therapy is much about individuality, it makes sense that no two sessions or counselors would be the same. Instead, each person must take an approach that feels comfortable for the needs at
Gestalt therapy focuses largely on energy, experimentation and emotion. Since the Gestalt approach holds an existential view of human nature, it assumes that people must find their own way in the world and that every individual must have a different therapeutic experience based on their unique situation. Fritz Perls’ philosophy could be summed up by saying “be here now and be truly yourself” (Neukrug, 2011, p. 190). This group was given the task of reviewing and evaluating two Gestalt therapy sessions in order to identify the techniques used, compare and contrast the two approaches, and provide an explanation for which counselor the group found to be more effective. Below are the group’s findings.
Two different …show more content…
Davis does with Angela in order to help her work through her challenges takes time and is not done in just a few sessions like Jill’s. This is because her introjection of family needs “has created an imbalance within self as well as in [her] interpersonal relationships” and Dr. Davis tries to help Angela discover that “finding a balance between the two can make for more satisfying relationships with others where there is more of a give and take” Neukrug, 2011, p.191). It takes a lot of experimentation and even a major family event for Angela to come to the realization that she can fulfill her family obligations without compromising her personal …show more content…
Dr. Neukrug uses the empty chair technique and allows Jill to express the feelings she has regarding her mom and their lost time together as if her mother was there. He helps Jill walk and talk through her feelings so she can resolve her unfinished business. It seems as though Jill is able to work through most of her feelings in a short amount of time and feel some relief from what was bothering her. Even though the technique made Jill nervous, sometimes “the primary aim is not to facilitate the client to feel more relaxed or comfortable…but to enable the client to reconnect his/her emotional response with contact needs” (Philippson, 2012, p.96).
Even though the sessions had different tones and techniques, both patients got the results they were hoping for in the end. By the end of time the therapist and patients had together, both clients were feeling better about their circumstances and moving towards a more positive direction in their lives. Since Gestalt therapy is much about individuality, it makes sense that no two sessions or counselors would be the same. Instead, each person must take an approach that feels comfortable for the needs at